THE ILOILO City Government continues to construct libraries and reading hubs equipped with computers connected to the internet, and free Wi-Fi access for students and graduates reviewing for their board exams.
Mayor Jerry Treñas wants to put up learning facilities across seven districts and bring them closer to the public to motivate children to read, promote storytelling sessions, and provide a review space for exam-takers.
The first facility was formerly located at City Hall, the Iloilo City Public Library (ICPL), but is now housed at the Graciano Lopez Jaena Learning Resource Center and Museum, the home of the Ilonggo national hero in Jaro district.
ICPL is open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The reading centers in barangays Sta. Filomena in Arevalo district, Quintin Salas in Jaro and Nabitasan in La Paz, are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Sta. Filomena reader center is a temporary site; the city government is completing a permanent one, and will be named Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Public Library, in honor of another prominent Ilonggo.
Four newly-constructed learning centers in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala II in the City Proper; Barangay PHHC, Block 22 and Barangay PHHC, Block 17 in Mandurriao district; and Barangay East Baluarte in Molo district will soon open.
“This initiative encourages Ilonggos, especially early grade learners and to those who love to read, to visit our city library in their respective areas,” stressed Maria Mathilde Treñas, special assistant to the City Mayor.
The libraries so far catered to a total of 4,109 clients; mostly aged 13-21 totaling 2,013; and aged 22-35 totaling 1,273 in 2023.
A total of 3,290 clients were served from January to March this year.
Story-telling sessions being conducted year-round gather some 1,000 children who actively participate and enjoy the fun activity with dancing and games.
As part of their immersion, high school students also share their talents as they tell stories and teach dance steps to kids.
Private partners including individual book lovers, companies, and organizations continuously support the donation drive and storytelling activities. They are a big help to beneficiaries and instrumental in the achievements of successful examinees and even topnotchers.
For one, Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) 2022 Top 10 Ivan Omar L. Nobleza of Iloilo Science and Technology University – La Paz, expressed appreciation for having an alternative place for review.
“I used to study at the library when I review for LET. Thank you for providing me a conducive environment where I can study, and providing me materials I needed for the review. Keep up the good work and more power,” Nobleza stated in his message to ICPL Facebook page.
Guidance Counselor Licensure Examination 2022 Top 7 Julie Jane Pagcaliwangan of the University of the Philippines Visayas – Iloilo City Campus visited ICPL as part of her success story.
Another patron, Rhaym Hilad, also went back to ICPL to share the good news after passing the Marina Board Exams in 2023.
Book author Gloria Moralidad, on her Facebook post, stated: “We are so grateful to everyone who joined our children’s storytelling activity, especially the Iloilo City Public Library and Barangay Sta. Filomena that went above and beyond in helping to make it a fun event for the children.”
“It was amazing to see the children’s enthusiasm during our book launching, as they eagerly took part in every aspect of the activity. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate – thank you once again to those involved,” she added.
Teacher and writer Miss Jen, on her Facebook post, said the City Library was a discovery: “Serendipity helped me find a gem on Fajardo Street, Jaro.”
“As I was looking for a certain office to attend a short talk, I happened to stop in front of this beautiful house that got a signage that really caught my attention. I took a picture of the gate and told myself I must drop by after my intended meeting. So I did, and enjoyed it a lot,” she said.
“I went in and was so glad that finally I found a public library in the City of Love. I used to wish for this and even mentioned it on my previous FB account. Now it’s here, right before my eyes,” she added.
Miss Jen encouraged everyone to visit ICPL: “All you need to do is step inside and enjoy the place where you could: study in silence and comfort of books; use the internet connection for free; write or compose your own work or finish your tasks at the second floor where individual tables and chairs await you.”
It is packed with books on History, Languages, Literature, Mathematics, Science, Art, Health, Lifestyle, Cooking, Economics, Business, Administration, Encyclopedia, Almanac, References, Novels both classics and contemporary ones, etc., she noted.
Mayor Treñas thanked donors of books, learning materials and furniture, including former City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Erlinda Gencaya; former Department of Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim; City Administrator Melchor Tan; General Services Officer Engr. Neil Ravena; First Lady Rosalie Treñas; and Quota Club of Iloilo, among others./PN
